Theme: Sparks

"Sparks" (火花) revolves around the concept of seemingly small yet daring ideas that ignite significant change. It represents the moment of inspiration that triggers a spreading fire of innovation and creativity. "Sparks" is about the power of an idea to light up the world.

Duke Kunahsn Community Center Theater
Duke Avenue No. 8
Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215316
China

Cong Li

Assistant Director for Chinese as a Second Language at Duke Kunshan University

Cong Li is an innovative educator and researcher at Duke Kunshan University, specializing in language acquisition and curriculum development. His work focuses on integrating game mechanics—such as points, challenges, and rewards—into language learning to boost motivation and enhance retention.

Crystal Kwok

Filmmaker, Actress, Professor

Crystal Kwok is a filmmaker, actress, and host, known for her bold and unapologetic stance on challenging societal norms. Having started her career in front of the camera in Hong Kong cinema, Crystal’s experiences in both entertainment and journalism have fueled her passion for pushing against restrictive societal expectations, especially those related to gender and identity. She now uses her platform to amplify diverse voices and explore the complexities of identity and race, as showcased in her documentary work, including Blurring the Color Line.

Ilias Mahboub

Undergraduate Student at Duke Kunshan University

Hailing from a small Moroccan city of Errachidia, Ilias is passionate about figuring out how the human brain functions. Fueled with creativity, Ilias is experienced in filmmaking, music production, and public speaking, and is constantly exploring new ways to blend his diverse talents.

Jill Tang

Entrepreneur

Jill Tang is a dynamic entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for women in technology. She is the co-founder of She Rewires, a platform dedicated to empowering women to thrive in the tech industry. With a background in community-building and a passion for creating sustainable change, Jill has been recognized as one of the top influencers in her field. Her work has not only connected countless women to opportunities but also encouraged them to leverage their individuality and strengths to become catalysts for positive change in their personal and professional lives.

Krishna Thiagarajan

Undergraduate Student at Duke Kunshan University

Krishna Thiagarajan is a Chinese Public Policy and Economic Analyst in training, and a third-year student in the Philosophy Department at Duke Kunshan University. Having spent a good 20 years as a human person, Krishna is fascinated and interested by the human experience.

Matej Čačík

Founder of Krupica

Matej Čačík is a passionate advocate for bridging the urban-rural divide in Slovakia through innovative, community-centered initiatives. Currently studying at Central European University in Vienna, he has been involved in various non-profit projects aimed at empowering underserved communities and creating opportunities for growth in rural areas. Čačík's work focuses on fostering collaboration between diverse social groups and enhancing access to essential resources. With a NATO grant supporting his efforts, he has also developed strong connections with key stakeholders, including government officials like the Prime Minister of Slovakia. His projects have garnered attention for their forward-thinking approach to addressing inequality and fostering a more inclusive society.

Menglu Jiang

Graduate Student at Duke Kunshan University

Menglu Jiang is a second-year graduate student in the Global Health program. Her academic and research background is closely related to health promotion and health-related behavior. She is particularly passionate about nutrition and physiotherapy, with a focus on athletes and the elderly.